The wine industry constitutes one of the major assets of the tourism sector in France. Indeed, wine and gastronomy are often cited as the main reasons for choosing a stay in France. Wine producing regions are major tourist destinations due to the variety of vine and wine tourism products they offer.
L’wine tourism is therefore based on the discovery of wine regions and their production. There are many destinations such as Alsace, Rhône Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy and Loire Valley for wine tourism in France.
Alsace
The Alsace vineyard covers approximately 15,600 hectares and extends across the entire region from Strasbourg to the north and Mulhouse to the south. It stretches in a thin strip across the entire Alsace region. The majority of white wines are produced there, but also sparkling wines, reds and rosés. The Alsace vineyard has become famous thanks to its wines, which are sometimes strong in aroma, sugar and alcohol.
The Alsace wine route is one of the first in France. It crosses the vineyard for 170 km. It constitutes a large gathering place. Wine and harvest festivals are organized there in summer, as is the vineyard marathon.
The Rhône valley
It is the second largest wine-growing region in France in terms of production volume. In terms of wine tourism, many activities are planned: wine tasting, visits to cellars, meetings with the owners, discoveries of vine techniques, knowledge of grape varieties, terroirs and local gastronomy. A quality charter for tasting cellars has been put in place for tourists.
The Bordeaux vineyard
Here, the vines themselves are an attraction for tourists. The Bordeaux vineyards have several routes along which the tour is often led. Visitors can be welcomed into the vineyards with open days. The wine festival is organized and celebrated there every two years. Bordeaux has, among other things, a wine and trade museum since 2008.
Burgundy
Many wine festivals take place in Burgundy. We can cite for example “the rotating Saint Vincent” which is the feast of the patron saint of winegrowers; it takes place the last weekend of January, with wine tastings. In Burgundy, wine tourists can attend the sale of Beaune wines (see also the other places on tresorsdumonde) which takes place the third weekend in November.
It is the most famous charity wine auction in the world. There is also the national mason wine competition in April during which medals are awarded to the best wines from all regions of France.
The Loire Valley
The Loire Valley is a large wine-producing area of France, almost as large as the Burgundy. It covers an area of 70,000 hectares and is adjacent to numerous castles. Tourists will be able to taste their wine while admiring the beauty of the landscape. The temperate, oceanic and continental climate is very pleasant and allows tourists to go on hikes and family outings.
So, are you ready to explore the French vineyards?